Celebrate Mental Health Month In The Hills

Member for Baulkham Hills David Elliott today encouraged Hills residents to help make a stand against the stigma that surrounds mental illness by participating in a local Mental Health Month event.

Mr Elliott said there are interactive events such as festivals, art exhibitions, music, theatre and seminars being held right across the state that are aimed at educating and engaging people about mental health to mark Mental Health Month.

“There are a number of Mental Health Month events being held throughout the Hills this month, including Tai Chi, discussions with former Olympian Petria Thomas, and Paws in the Park with Dr Katrina Warren,” Mr Elliott said.

“Mental Health Month provides the perfect opportunity for people to reach out to one another and talk about mental health, and in doing so help break down the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness face every day

“By participating in a local Mental Health Month event we are sending an important message to people living with mental illness they are not alone.

“The Month is also an important opportunity to create awareness about the importance of good mental health and to promote the positive actions we can all take to strengthen our own mental health.”

NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, said the theme for Mental Health Month this year, ‘Kindness: little acts, big impacts!’ aims to remind people of the importance of kindness and generosity on our own and others mental health and wellbeing.

“Often a simple act of kindness such as a few small words to someone can make a big difference, and in some cases a life-saving difference,” Mr Humphries said.

“This October let us all put kindness at the forefront of everything we do. It doesn’t require a big effort, but it can have a big impact on those around us.”

Mental Health Month is coordinated by the Mental Health Association of NSW and is funded by the NSW Government. For more information on events being held throughout NSW during Mental Health Month please visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au.